This course was offered during the Fall 2001 semester. The course is open to all majors, and has no prerequisites. Please email scompara@siu.edu if you have any questions.
This course is designed to introduce students to the workings of the criminal justice system in the United States. This course will focus on the key actors in the criminal justice system including the police, attorneys, and judges. Particular emphasis will be placed on the rights of the criminally accused and evaluating how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Amendments to the Constitution.
Another primary purpose of this course is to improve your critical reading, writing, and research skills. Toward that end, the written assignments and exams will focus on improving proficiency in those areas. In addition, emphasis is placed on classroom participation and a critical discussion of the issues found in the readings.
The Fall 2001 syllabus for this course is currently available.
This course will be maintained using WebCT. The syllabus, course calendar, assignments, message and discussion boards, mail system, grades, and student homepages are available on the course page. For students enrolled in this course, detailed instructions to assist you in creating a WebCT account can be found here. I am willing to provide information on course content to those outside of Southern Illinois University that express interest. Please email me for more information.
Return to Scott Comparato's Homepage
URL: http://www.siu.edu/scompara/pols334.html
Last Updated: August 15, 2002